Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma locked in; Pant doubtful: India's likely 2027 World Cup combination decoded

Rohit and Kohli had an excellent start to IND vs SA ODIs [Source: AFP]

India have kicked off their 2027 World Cup preparations amid declining prowess in the longest format. Despite losing the Test series convincingly by two-nil, India regrouped well and bounced back with a thumping win over South Africa in the first ODI of the ongoing three-match series. 

While Virat Kohli notched up a scintillating century, Rohit Sharma smashed a valiant fifty, with stand-in skipper KL Rahul also notching up a crucial half-century down the order. 

As the Men in Blue gear up to maintain their winning streak and secure a morale-boosting series win, here we decode how India's playing XI is shaping up for the 2027 World Cup edition. 

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to partner Shubman Gill

(Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI record)

Although there were doubts regarding the form and fitness of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the talismanic cricketers silenced their critics in style with two consecutive scintillating performances in the format. 

Rohit slammed a century in the third ODI against Australia before following it up with another fifty in the series opener against South Africa. He has worked really hard on his fitness, showing commitment and dedication to play in the next World Cup edition. 

On a similar note, Virat Kohli, who registered successive ducks in Australia, bounced back with two fifty-plus scores in ODIs. So, as things stand, the veteran cricketers seem ready to take up the challenge and partner skipper Shubman Gill at the top of the order. 

Jaiswal vs Gaikwad vs Abhishek: India have yet to finalise their 3rd opener

The promising Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn't had a great start to his ODI career, managing only 33 runs in two outings. However, his incredible potential might prompt the Indian management to give him a consistent rope, especially until Shubman Gill returns to the setup. 

Apart from Jaiswal, India have Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhishek Sharma, two other genuine options for the backup opener's slot. Gaikwad's performance in the South Africa ODIs will decide his fate, while Abhishek must prove his credentials in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy to stake a claim. 

Is Rishabh Pant in India's 2027 WC plans?

(Rishabh Pant's ODI record)

Swashbuckling keeper-batter Rishabh Pant made his ODI comeback for the home series against South Africa. However, despite Shreyas Iyer's injury, the Indian think tank didn't include Pant in the playing XI for the first ODI, slotting Ruturaj Gaikwad at number four instead. 

The move ignited two key theories: India still see KL Rahul as their first-choice wicketkeeper for the 2027 World Cup and Shreyas Iyer will get a free pass for the number four slot, deservingly so, when he completes his recovery. 

So, as things stand, KL Rahul seems the frontrunner to keep wickets in the next World Cup, while there could be a toss-up between Pant and Dhruv Jurel for the backup keeper's slot, unless, of course, the BCCI selectors take a U-turn regarding Sanju Samson's ODI future. 

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KL Rahul vs Allrounder debate at no. 5 addressed

KL Rahul in action [Source: AFP]

KL Rahul, India's regular number five until the 2023 World Cup final, has batted at six in recent times due to one significant reason. Rahul's strike rate of just 67.9 as India's number five between 11-30 overs might have prompted India to demote him and use Axar Patel as an enforcer. 

(KL Rahul's ODI performance in different situations)

The data presented in the above table shows KL Rahul has been a slow starter as a number five, while his strike rate, dot % and boundary runs percentage improve significantly when he comes to bat at number six. 

To address the run-rate issue, India used Axar Patel at five, who struck 179 runs at an average of 59.7 and a strike rate of 87.3 in the upper middle-overs phase (11-30 overs). However, the successful experiment was halted due to mysterious reasons (probably because Jadeja made his comeback as a bowling upgrade over Axar), with Washington Sundar taking up the same role at five in the Ranchi ODI. 

It's worth noting that Jadeja has mostly batted lower down the order (124 out of 138 innings at 7 and 8), so he can't be a solution to India's number five conundrum. Understandably, India are trying to fit Sundar, a move that can certainly ensure variety in their spin department and empower them with a left-handed option in the middle order. 

However, his acceleration woes and inability to rotate strike were quite evident; so, Sundar might lose his spot to Axar unless he works on his power game. In another bold move, they can bring back Riyan Parag, who looked magnificent for India-A against Australia-A. But practically, it seems a bit unlikely now. 

Hardik Pandya back; Harshit seems ready for ODI challenge

While India have a concern or two regarding their spin-allrounders, they certainly have little to worry about their fast-bowling allrounders' department. Hardik Pandya has been a force to reckon with the bat and can strengthen India's finishing as well as fast bowling with his all-round prowess. 

Meanwhile, Harshit Rana has massively improved as a bowler, and his power-hitting in the Australia series has ensured India will groom him enough for the number eight slot, where they want someone who can chip in with vital cameos. 

Bumrah, Kuldeep absolute certainties; what are India's no. 11 options?

Jasprit Bumrah is undoubtedly India's all-weather talisman with the ball. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav seems an absolute certainty to spearhead their spin department with the all-rounder who is supposed to bat at five and roll his arms in the middle overs. 

However, Mohammed Siraj might feel the heat, with Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna getting ample opportunities for the ODI team. Siraj was even snubbed from India's Champions Trophy squad and could scalp only two wickets across three games on the Australia tour. If India exclude him from their 2027 World Cup plans, either Arshdeep or Prasidh might get in as the third seamer. 

Arshdeep, who offers a left-arm swing-bowling option, perfectly fits the bill and can be a potent force with the ball on South African decks. 

India's potential combination for 2027 World Cup

Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh

Backups that India have in their mind: Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar/Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad/Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna

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